Johnny Sexton passed HIAs
Ireland and Joe Schmidt were handed some good news yesterday after Leinster announced Johnny Sexton did not fail a Head Injury Assessment as was first suggested when he was forced off during the province's heavy Champions Cup defeat to Wasps last weekend.
Sexton passed a HIA at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday before passing another at Carton House on Monday, and will be able to return to full training after undergoing one more today.
Marty Moore heading to Wasps
However Schmidt was dealt a blow as it was confirmed prop Marty Moore will miss Ireland's Six Nations campaign after suffering a grade two hamstring tear in the same fixture. It was also announced the tighthead prop is set to leave Leinster at the end of the season, ironically, for Wasps.
Gerry Thornley column
In his column today Gerry Thornley reflects on a miserable Champions Cup campaign for the provinces, and one which leaves Irish rugby at a low ebb heading into the Six Nations.
He writes: “The halcyon days for Irish provinces in European rugby are assuredly over and were never likely to last forever.”
Louis van Gaal offered to resign
Louis van Gaal's Manchester United tenure could be approaching its end after it was revealed the Dutchman offered to resign in the wake of last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford.
United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, the man responsible for the original appointment of van Gaal, persuaded the 64-year-old to discuss his future in with his family, but defeat to Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday night could prove the death knell for his time in charge.
Roger Federer through in Melbourne
Roger Federer is through to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after he eased passed Thomas Berdych 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-4 in the last eight in Melbourne. The 17-time Grand Slam winner will play either Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori for a place in the final.
Top four talk premature
World number one Jordan Spieth has played down talk of Rickie Fowler joining an elite of four golfers following his win in Abu Dhabi, saying any suggestions are premature considering Jason Day has barely played competitive golf since the back end of 2015.
Kevin McMahon wants starting berth
Dublin's Kevin McManamon has played a pivotal role in the county's All-Ireland successes in recent years but his significant contribution has often been from the bench, and it is his ambition to be involved from the start come September.
What to watch out for:
Tennis
The Australian Open quarter-finals have started in Melbourne. (Eurosport 12am-12.30pm)
Cricket
England are staring down the barrell on the final day of the fourth test match against South Africa in Centurion. (SS2, 8am onwards)
Football
Stoke City head to Anfield looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the opening leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool. (SS1, 7.45pm ko)
